2012 Phoenix Stakes

racing_news/

Sudirman Prevails in Phoenix Stakes
11/08/13

1 Sudirman 4/1
2 Big Time 7/1
3 War Command 2/5F
NR: Wilshire Boulevard (IRE)
5 ran Distances: ½l, ½l, 3½l
TIME 1m 9.35s (fast by 1.65s)

There was a shock result to the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh as red-hot favourite War Command could finish only third behind David Wachman's Sudirman.

Sudirman
© Caroline Norris

The Coventry Stakes hero was sent off the 2-5 favourite for the Group One contest, but with Mick Channon's Ambiance setting a fierce pace, it was clear a long way from home that he was in trouble and Joseph O'Brien was hard at work from well over a furlong out.

Sudirman, winner of the Railway Stakes over course and distance in late June, was a 4-1 shot in the hands of Wayne Lordan and moved sweetly throughout. Railway runner-up Big Time came to challenge his old rival in the closing stages, but just as he had done 43 days earlier, Sudirman held on by half a length.

War Command
© Caroline Norris

To his credit, War Command did respond to pressure, finishing a further half a length away.

Wachman is no stranger to success at the highest level with his juveniles, winning this very race with Damson in 2004, while Again and Bushranger also claimed Group One prizes at two in recent seasons.

He said: "He's a good horse. He's always shown us he was a smart horse right from day one. He won't do too much when he gets there, he idles in front. He won't win a race by far but he's tough and genuine and likes quick ground. I'd say there's a bit left in the locker still, he's not a flamboyant horse.

"Every year is different, it depends what's around, but he works every bit as well as the two-year-olds we've had over the years.

"We'll probably step up to seven furlongs, he's been crying out for that trip. The National Stakes is a possibility but the ground is an important factor in where he goes."

Stan James introduced Sudirman as a 14-1 chance for next year's 2000 Guineas, while easing War Command to 10-1 from 5s. Kingman was cut to 13-2 favourite from 8-1.

Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1)
£200,000 added, 2yo only, 6f
5 ran
Going: Good (Good to Firm in places)